From BBC News · · 2m
RJ Mitte: Breaking Bad star who changed disability on screen
The actor died by suicide at 34, leaving a legacy of representation that inspired a generation of disabled performers.
In brief
The actor died by suicide at 34, leaving a legacy of representation that inspired a generation of disabled performers. RJ Mitte, Breaking Bad actor with cerebral palsy who became an advocate for disabled performers, died by suicide at thirty-four. Originally reported by BBC News.
The actor who refused to be defined
RJ Mitte, Breaking Bad star with cerebral palsy, wrote in twenty fourteen: I have cerebral palsy but I've never let it hold me back. It shouldn't define you.
“I have cerebral palsy but I've never let it hold me back.”
Playing a character, not a condition
Mitte played Walter Flynn White Junior in Breaking Bad, son of Bryan Cranston's character. His disability was visible but the role was never about the disability itself.
Breaking Bad named best show of century
The New York Times recently named Breaking Bad the best TV show of the twenty-first century. Mitte's role in the drama became a turning point for disability representation on screen.
Mitte dies by suicide at thirty-four
RJ Mitte died by suicide on Monday at the age of thirty-four. He was not only an actor but also an advocate and ambassador for disability charities.
Advocacy rooted in equal opportunity
Mitte worked as ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Can Do Canines, and created The Mitte Foundation offering community grants in Texas. His advocacy ensured disabled people were seen and heard.
Inspired disabled performers to act
Ruth Madeley, who has spina bifida, says seeing Mitte on screen made her believe acting was possible. Young disabled people looking at the arts industry saw him as a beautiful example.
“If you don't see it, you don't think it's possible.”
His legacy: disabled careers in creative industries
Keron Day from Netflix's Sex Education says Mitte's legacy is disabled people having careers in creative industries. Laurence Clarke notes that more portrayals on TV inspire disabled people to pursue acting.
Diagnosed at three, cast at fourteen
Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age three. He was cast in Breaking Bad at fourteen and told Channel four News in twenty sixteen the show pioneered writers to be more brave.
Greatest pride was lending his voice
Mitte said his greatest achievement was philanthropic work and lending his voice to causes making meaningful impact. Breaking Bad gave him the platform to change people's lives through disability advocacy.
“The greatest thing that Breaking Bad has given me is to be able to lend my voice to causes that make a meaningful impact.”
At a glance
RJ Mitte, Breaking Bad actor with cerebral palsy who became an advocate for disabled performers, died by suicide at thirty-four.
